Disability Insurance (DI) Automated Phone Information System

This information will help you use the State Disability Insurance (SDI) automated phone system. Before you dial our toll-free 800 numbers, please take time to review this information.

Special instructions or announcements may be played prior to the main menu. A brief description of menu items will then be provided.

For Disability Insurance Claim and General Information

  • DI English 1-800-480-3287
  • DI Spanish 1-866-658-8846

The Main Menu options are:

Press 1 for English
Press 2 for Spanish

If you know your selection, you may enter it at any time. While using the automated phone system you may:

Press 9 to return to a previous menu.
Press the star key (*) to repeat information.

  • Press 1 for benefit payments:
    The Employment Development Department requires both a completed application and medical certification to process a claim. Without the medical certification, the claim is not complete and cannot be processed.
    Allow 14 days for the Employment Development Department to process your claim. For initial claims, the 14 day processing time begins once both the application and the medical certification are received.
    Contact your medical provider to confirm your medical certification was submitted on your claim.
    • Press 1 to get your benefit payment information.
      To access confidential new claim information using the automated phone system, you will be asked to enter your:
      • Social Security number.
      • Date of birth.
      • Mailing ZIP code.
      • Weekly benefit amount or 7-digit home phone number.
      You will enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) the first time you use the automated phone system to access confidential benefit payment information.
      Benefit payment information includes the authorized payment amount, the number of days paid, the beginning and ending date of the payment amount, and the date the payment was authorized.
      To access confidential benefit payment information using the DI automated telephone system after you have set up your PIN, you will be asked to enter your:
      • Social Security number.
      • PIN.
    • Press 2 to request a copy of your payment history by mail through our voicemail.
      Authorized benefit payments processed by 6 p.m. during regular business days will be made available by Bank of America on your EDD Debit Card by 8 a.m. the following morning, excluding bank holidays.
  • Press 2 for the SDI Online Help Desk:
    • Press 1 for information on how to create an online account. 
    • Press 2 for information on what is required to submit an online claim.
    • Press 3 if you have forgotten your password.
    • Press 4 if you are having trouble accessing the SDI Online system. (You will be connected with a representative.)
  • Press 3 for Disability Insurance information:
    Please have your EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN) or Claim ID ready so we can provide faster customer service on your claim.
    • Press 1 For  Disability Insurance benefits eligibility:
      • Press 2 to file a claim. 
      • Press 3 for Appeals. 
      • Press 4 for Family and Medical Leave Act and California Family Rights Act. 
      • Press 5 for SDI contribution rates and tax information.
  • Press 4 for Voluntary Plans:
    • Press 1 for employer Voluntary Plan information.
    • Press 2 for employee Voluntary Plan information.
      (If your pay stub or W-2 reflects “VDI” contributions instead of “CA-SDI” contributions.)
  • Press 5 for Elective Coverage for business owners or the self-employed.
    Please have your EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN) or Claim ID ready so we can provide faster customer service on your claim.
    • Press 1 for Elective Coverage benefits.
    • Press 2 for eligibility. 
    • Press 3 for requirements.
    • Press 4 for benefit payment amount. 
    • Press 5 for Elective Coverage premiums.
    • Press 6 for filing a claim. 
  • Press 6 to receive claim forms by mail
    • Press 1 for the DI initial claim form.
    • Press 2 for the Self Employed Elective Coverage information packet.

For information regarding PFL benefits, hang up and dial 1-877-238-4373.

Mondays (all day) and weekdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. are our busiest calling times. For faster service you can call outside of these hours.